Kenya might be known for its coffee, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to find the best locally. Most of the top-quality coffee gets exported, leaving the lower-grade beans behind. But don’t worry—there are a few specialty roasters out there who make sure locals can still enjoy some high-grade coffee, and that’s exactly what this post is about. Most of these roasters also have cafes, so you can taste the coffee before committing to a whole bag of beans.
You’ll find a lot of these spots in Karen and Kilimani, though some have branches in other parts of Nairobi too. A little tip: you can also track down good roasters by checking out previous winners of the Kenya National Barista Championship and seeing where they work.
This is my personal ranking, and I’m not sponsored or affiliated with any of these places, so go with whatever sounds good to you.
8. Dormans
Dormans beans are pretty average in my experience, and after trying a few different bags, they just don’t do it for me. I know taste is personal, but most coffee lovers I know don’t rate Dormans very highly either. That said, they actually ranked near the top when I did a list of instant coffee brands a while back.
Still, Dormans could be a decent starting point if you’re new to grinding coffee beans. At around KSh 900 for 375g, they’re cheaper than a lot of the other options on this list.
Their packaging is pretty aesthetic and colorful, which makes you feel a bit better about the mediocre beans. I haven’t completely written off Dormans yet, and I plan to try more of their beans in the future.
One thing they really have going for them is the variety—I swear they have almost every type of coffee out there. Plus, they don’t just stick to Kenyan beans; they also sell coffee from other Eastern African regions like Rwanda and Ethiopia, along with decafs and capsules.
Out of all the roasters on this list, Dormans definitely offers the widest variety of coffee beans.
7. Java House
Java House is the biggest coffee chain in Kenya, and the most popular brand of coffee beans but I can’t say I’m a fan of their beans, they are painfully average.
They’re the only coffee shop on this list that I didn’t really enjoy. That said, they’re included here because they’re so popular and their beans are super easy to find, whether it’s at their cafes or in supermarkets.
In terms of variety, they don’t have much—just six types: Kenya AA, Java Espresso, Uganda Kigezo, Rwanda Lake Kivu, Ethiopian Yirgacheffe, and Decaf Arabica.
While they do offer beans from different regions, they don’t have specialized or custom roasts like light, medium, or dark. Sure, espresso is usually dark roasted, but for the others, not so much. Kenyan AA is definitely the most popular and probably their bestseller.
6. Artcaffe
I’ve never personally bought Artcaffe beans, but someone did and I got to try them—they were pretty good, definitely a step up from Java House. Artcaffe offers a range of specialty coffees from different regions in Kenya.
Here’s the catch: I actually prefer Java’s coffee when I’m at their cafes, but when it comes to beans, Artcaffe takes the win for me. A 375g pack is about KSh 1200, which is pretty much the same price as Java’s, so I think Artcaffe offers better value since the quality difference is noticeable.
That said, Java beans are way easier to get, while Artcaffe’s beans are only available at their outlets or online through their Gourmet food store, Artcaffe Market.
The only downer about Artcaffe is no variety expect four types at best with 3 being dark roasts and one medium, and as already stated, Kenyan coffee doesn’t shine in dark roasts.
5. Terrani Mokka
This place is online-only and might be the most underrated roaster on this list. If you’re a coffee connoisseur, I’d suggest looking past Domarns, Java House, and Artcaffe, and focusing on roasters like Terrani Mokka and higher up in the ranking.
Their beans are the most expensive on this list, and while the coffee is decent, it feels a bit overpriced—not just expensive, but overpriced. There’s a difference. KSh 2,450 (19 USD) for 200g of coffee beans in the Kenyan local market is really really expensive.
What’s cool about Terrani Mokka is that they offer niche Kenyan coffees from regions not typically known for coffee, so you can expect a unique flavor. They have beans from areas like Trans-Nzoia, Homabay, and Nakuru, and they also offer micro lot and single estate options for those who want even more consistency in their coffee.
Check Out More offerings & pricing from Terrani Mokka
4. Kesh Kesh
Kesh Kesh are coffee roasters who also run a cafe, they only have two types of coffee; Jabena medium and Jabena Dark roast.
When purchasing you can opt for beans on the ground ones where you can choose your desired grind, Kesh Kesh beans are available in 250g, 500g, and 800g, for staring out just get the small bags and decide which you love before deciding on which big bag is right for you
I have tried their coffee in the cafe and it is seriously gourmet so I’m sure these beans are equally as good
Check more from Kesh Kesh Roastery
3. Barista & Co
Barista & Co is a family-owned specialty coffee business that oversees every stage of its coffee’s journey, from farming and roasting to serving it in its cafes and coffee shops. Their coffee is quite good, and I personally endorse it.
You can find them at 45 Riverside Drive, Sarit Centre, and Westgate Mall.
They are registered traders at The Nairobi Coffee Exchange and also export their coffee to customers beyond Kenya.
Check out more on their Instagram and Website
2. Connect Coffee
At Connect Coffee, their pour-overs are exceptional, and they might be the top coffee institution in Kenya. Although they rank second in quality, they excel in other areas—they handle green coffee exports for roasters worldwide, distribute coffee equipment, and run a coffee academy.
Unlike Barista & Co, Connect Coffee has an online shop where you can purchase their roasted coffee beans. They also offer coffee brews, with prices around KSh 900 for 250g, which is a great deal given the quality they provide.
1. Spring Valley Coffee
The folks at Spring Valley really know what they are doing—these are hands down the best coffee beans you can get in Kenya, and thus making them the undoubtedly best coffee roasters in Kenya.
It’s a shame that a lot of the top-tier Kenyan coffee gets exported, but Spring Valley is doing a great job bringing that specialty coffee vibe back home. They’re all about named farms, different washes, and varietals, so you get that premium experience.
Spring Valley coffee beans are definitely on the pricier side—250g will set you back around KSh 1,150 ($8.90), which is the same price other roasters charge for 500g, basically double the amount.
Most of their options are medium roasts from various origins, with the occasional dark roast. Although Kenyan coffee isn’t at its best when dark roasted, it’s still an option for espresso lovers.
Unfortunately, they don’t offer any light roasts, which I think is where Kenyan coffee truly shines. But I get why they mostly stick to medium roasts—they strike a good balance in flavor.
On top of beans, they also sell coffee capsules and all kinds of coffee gear you might need—like filter papers, mocha bombs, specialty teas, French presses, frothers, capsule machines, and pretty much everything to get you set up for coffee-making.
Check Spring Valley Coffee Beans Availability & Pricing from their Website
Also Read
Why Kenyans Don’t Drink Their Coffee
What is So Special About Kenyan Coffee?
